The 3 Reasons Why You Might Have Been Overlooked for Your Last Promotion

Nobody wants to stagnate in their professional lives; however, what happens when we feel as if we’ve been overlooked time and time again for advancement?

Unfortunately, getting passed up for a promotion is something that many of us in the working world have to deal with at one point or another. Oftentimes it feels as if promotions are totally out of our control right?

That being said, there could be some reasons why you’re being overlooked that require you to look in the mirror and make some changes. Keep in mind the following reasons why so many eager workers get overlooked for promotions and what you can do to make yourself more attractive next time a new role comes along.

You Don’t Dress for Success

This may seem cliché but bear in mind that so much of your ability to succeed in the workplace revolves around how you present yourself. Think about it: would you rather promote the person who walks around like a slob or someone who’s put together and consistently looks sharp?

While looks and style shouldn’t be major determining factors to a promotion, there’s no denying the subconscious impact that taking care of your appearance has on your higher-ups.

Taking care of your grooming and wearing well-fitting clothes is a start, but also bear in mind how unique accessories and style choices can also help you stand out. For example, accessories such as Navy SEAL watches or bold ties can help build up a “brand” to your bosses which distinguishes you while keeping things professional.

You’re Way Too Involved in Office Gossip

Those who constantly bicker, start drama or otherwise get involved with conflict are often labeled toxic employees and therefore are unfit for promotion. To avoid such a label, it’s important to be on good terms with everyone you work with regardless of their standing in your company.

Even in the face of confrontation or adversity, the old saying “kill ’em with kindness” is the motto for promotion-seekers to live by. Just because you don’t get along with someone doesn’t mean you can’t put on a smiling face and at least try to make things works, right? While you certainly shouldn’t tolerate workplace abuse, sometimes you flat out have to put up people who irk you and try to look beyond their flaws

Getting away from office gossip might mean interacting less with co-workers outside the workplace or taking your lunch at your desk; however, sometimes it’s what’s best for the bigger picture of your career.

You Don’t Show Initiative

Simply put, you can’t expect promotions to fall into your lap. If you aren’t consistently asking about opportunities for advancement, it’s much more difficult to be considered for a promotion.

This doesn’t mean you should try to meddle your way into a promotion or constantly butter up your bosses, either. Instead, show initiative by asking questions, going the extra mile in terms of your work and making the value you add to your company crystal clear.

Don’t admit defeat if you’ve been passed up for a promotion or feel that you deserve more at work. Use these pitfalls as guidance for how to conduct yourself in the workplace and set yourself up for something more next time opportunity knocks.

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